A nationwide search is underway for women who served as secretaries in politicsand government in the nation's capital and have a compelling or entertaining storyto tell.

The oral history project is directed by Lillian Cox, a freelance journalist withThe San Diego Union-Tribune and former secretary in The White Houseduring the Nixon administration.

"As a history reporter, it has been my privilege to write about the contributions women have made in the military and in factories during wartime," she said."But little has been reported about their role as secretaries in the nation's capital."

Clerical positions were the sole domain of men beginning with the firstadministration of George Washington in 1789.

"Most people remember that Clara Barton was the founder of the AmericanRed Cross, but few know that in her youth, in 1854, she became the first womansecretary for the Federal government," Cox said.

The biggest strides for women occurred at the onset of World War I when theyresponded to the government campaign, 'For girls must work so men can fight'and converged on Union Station to assume clerical jobs vacated by men. Afew blocks away senators debated their fitness to vote.

Women's performance during the war led to passage of the 20th Amendment.By 1930 they became the backbone of civil service.

"Women continued to prove their diligence and capabilities during World War IIand into the post-war years till today," Cox said.

"My goal is to chronicle the important role these ladies played in American history and politics, a role that in many ways has been overlooked in historical literature."

Cox will be compiling the research for a book and museum exhibit.

To participate in this historic project call Lillian Cox at (760) 805-6950 or emaillilliancox@live.com.

A nationwide search is underway for women who served as secretaries in politicsand government in the nation's capital and have a compelling or entertaining storyto tell.

The oral history project is directed by Lillian Cox, a freelance journalist withThe San Diego Union-Tribune and former secretary in The White Houseduring the Nixon administration.

"As a history reporter, it has been my privilege to write about the contributions women have made in the military and in factories during wartime," Cox said."But little has been reported about their role as secretaries in the nation's capital."

Clerical positions were the sole domain of men beginning with the firstadministration of George Washington in 1789.

"Most people remember that Clara Barton was the founder of the AmericanRed Cross, but few know that in her youth, in 1854, she became the first womansecretary for the Federal government," she said.

The biggest strides for women occurred at the onset of World War I when theyresponded to the government campaign, 'For girls must work so men can fight'and converged on Union Station to assume clerical jobs vacated by men. Afew blocks away senators debated their fitness to vote.

Women's performance during the war led to passage of the 19th Amendment.By 1930 they became the backbone of civil service.

"Women continued to prove their diligence and capabilities during World War IIand into the post-war years till today," Cox said.

"My goal is to chronicle the important role these ladies played in American history and politics, a role that in many ways has been overlooked in historical literature."